Wed 23 Jan

In the court of Queen Anne (Colman), power is wielded by Lady Sarah Marlborough (Weisz), but then Sarah’s young cousin Abigail (Stone) arrives. Brash, bawdy and beguiling, and a deceptively acute commentary on the nature of power, with career-best work from Weisz and Stone and a commanding performance from Colman as the ailing Queen.

Wed 23 Jan

Thu 24 Jan

Mary Stuart (Ronan) and Elizabeth (Robbie) would like to be sisters but political rivalry drives them apart. Ronan gives a sophisticated performance and Robbie as Elizabeth is a blend of nervous uncertainty and confident outrage. Over the top, perhaps, but its ridiculousness hits a raw nerve in the current political climate, where women politicians are attacked for dancing.

Tue 22 Jan

Stan Laurel (Coogan) and Oliver Hardy (Reilly) are touring postwar Britain in the hope of bankrolling their next picture, but their time seems to be passing. A classy, ambitious look at the gruelling nature of showbiz, weaving Laurel & Hardy’s routines into the fabric of the story; Coogan is particularly good and it’s a loving nod to two of cinema’s greats.